December 12, 2025
Ferris State pushes top seed Tampa to the limit in five-set setback in Elite Eight round of NCAA DII tournament
The Ferris State University volleyball team pushed top-seeded and unbeaten University of Tampa to the limit but fell in a five-set match on Thursday at the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals.
In Ferris State’s second consecutive trip to the Elite Eight round of the tournament and the fifth in program history, the Bulldogs recorded 67 kills and 63 assists, with eight service aces providing crucial points throughout the match. Tampa's strong defense, highlighted by 92 digs, helped secure the Spartans' victory.
Ferris State began the first set against Tampa with an early lead, securing the first three points, including a service ace by senior Logyn Geren.
The Spartans quickly responded, tying the score at 3-3 with Nathaly Perez contributing two kills. The teams traded points, staying closely contested until Tampa gained momentum with a series of kills by Connor Rahn and Jenna Davis, taking a 16-12 edge.
Ferris State struggled with attack errors, allowing Tampa to extend its advantage. Despite a late kill from Emily May, Tampa secured the set at 25-15 with Rachel Gregg's decisive kill.
Tampa also took the second set with a decisive 25-17 win over Ferris State, capitalizing on multiple offensive and defensive contributions. Ferris State struggled with errors, allowing Tampa to build momentum early on.
Ferris State claimed a decisive 25-14 victory over Tampa in the third set. The Bulldogs started strong, capitalizing on multiple errors by UT's Nathaly Perez to jump to a 4-0 lead. Wegener and Lyndsey Urick contributed significant points, with Wegener connecting on a kill at 8-2. The set concluded with Wegener delivering the final point from a pass by Hope Davies, sealing the set for the Bulldogs at 25-14.
Tampa garnered an early advantage in the fourth set, leading 8-4. Ferris State narrowed the gap to 10-7 through Wegener's efforts, who later added two more kills, bringing the visitors within three points at 16-13. Ferris State tied the score at 21-21 with Piazza's consistent attacking play, which included two consecutive kills and a service ace from Geren. In the final moments, Geren contributed back-to-back kills to overcome Tampa, sealing the set 27-25 for Ferris State.
The fifth set began with Tampa taking a quick 2-0 lead. Ferris State responded with Piazza's kill, assisted by Wegener, narrowing the gap to 2-1. Tampa maintained pressure, extending the lead to 10-5, capitalizing on attack errors from the Bulldogs. Although Ferris State attempted a comeback with consecutive kills by Geren and Urick, Tampa secured the final point concluding the set and match at 15-11.
Geren led Ferris State with 14 kills and added four aces, accumulating a team-high 20 points. Wegener contributed significantly with 48 assists and complemented her playmaking with 18 digs. Hope Davies bolstered the defensive effort by recording 19 digs during the match. Emma Bleecher provided support with eight kills and ten digs.
Ferris State closed the 2025 season with a 27-8 record while Tampa improved to 32-0 on the year.
The Bulldogs made their 29th all-time NCAA DII Tournament appearance this year and the 14th consecutive berth in program history.